Man Utd unimpressed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s antics after snubbing Erik ten Hag team-talk and quitting friendly early
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been accused of setting a bad example after leaving Old Trafford before the end of Sunday’s friendly with Rayo Vallecano.
Erik ten Hag has been demanding togetherness in his Manchester United squad ahead of the new season.
But after a sideline tiff with the new boss, Ronaldo was subbed at half time.
Then rather than return to the dugout, he left the stadium ten minutes before the final whistle.
It is normal even in friendlies for subbed players to join the rest of their team-mates at the end of a game for a manager’s debrief.
Diogo Dalot, who wasn’t part of the matchday squad, also left early after watching the 1-1 draw from the stands.
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The club will not sanction Ronaldo for his early exit but a United insider told SunSport: “It is not a good look to leave early when you have been involved in the squad.
“It is different if you are up in the stands and not involved.
“You would expect someone who has played in the game to be in the changing rooms at the end to listen to the manager’s thoughts.
“Also a lot of people were there to see him and he was not even involved in the clapping of the fans after the final whistle.”
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Ronaldo had a first half disagreement with Ten Hag in a break of play.
The manager called the team over while a injured Vallecano player was attended to.
Ten Hag was quite animated in what he wanted Ronaldo to do but the player put his arms out to one side as if in disagreement.
The 37-year-old star wants out of Manchester United just 12 months into his return.
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He missed the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia for family reasons.
The club are refusing to sell despite the fact Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has told them he has an offer on the table if they just name their price.